1999 Ranger XLT 4X4 with 95K well cared for miles on it. I have a subtle clicking or rattle that I can feel in the steering wheel at low speeds. I coincides with small bumps/seams/ridges in the street. Turning the steering wheel doesn't cause it; The front suspension/axles/shocks have been checked over thoroughly.........the usual suspects have been eliminated. No play in the steering wheel, it tracks straight, with no wobbles, wandering, etc. I can feel a little play in the steering column shaft if I move it around under the hood. If i get underneath the dash, I can feel a little forward/backward play in the upper end of the steering column shaft. Any ideas?

 

I have a 98 4.0 XLT 4x4 with the EXACT same issue. it’s got new upper and lower ball joints, new tie rods, fresh alignment everything should be good. It’s exactly as you describe, I also feel a small amount of play grabbing the steering shaft under the hood. When starting and stopping I can hear some kind of rattle/bump/click coming from the front driver side under the hood. I’m suspecting steering shaft? Did you ever figure out what it was?

 

Nope. I finally gave up and decided to ignore it. I've put a few thousand miles on it and it isn't any worse and nothing has collapsed/fallen off, so I guess I'll live with it until something obvious happens to. It's so subtle, I guess it isn't serious!